The rise of AI therapy

Would you ever share your most intimate, personal circumstances with an AI - and then use its advice in your day-to-day life?

If the answer is yes, then you are not alone. Many people are turning to human-like AI chatbots for help with their mental health. 

So we're going to spend the programme exploring the fascinating and growing phenomenon of AI therapists.

We’ll find out how and why people are using it by listening in to some very personal AI ‘therapy’ sessions. How does it work - and can it be effective?

As its real-world use far outpaces the evidence, we’ll find out the potential pitfalls – and positives.

Can AI therapy really help us?

Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Presenter's friend: Professor Catherine Loveday
Producer: Gerry Holt
Researcher: Mohan Shi
Content editor: Ilan Goodman
Production coordinator: Jana Holesworth

Details of organisations offering support with mental health, or feelings of despair are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.